Former UW coach arrested for allegedly dragging granddaughter by ankle

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Jim Lambright, a Unviserity of Washington assistant and head football coach, was arrested for domestic violence.

EVERETT — Former University of Washington football coach James “Jim” Lambright was arrested recently for allegedly dragging his 23-year-old granddaughter out of a house by the ankle, documents show.

Lambright, former head coach and defensive coordinator during the team’s 1991 National Championship under Don James, has not yet been charged with a crime.

According to a Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies were called around 9 p.m. June 18 to a home in 16000 block of 57th Avenue SE in Snohomish County. As they approached the home they noticed Lambright standing outside about 20 feet from a group of young women.

Police contacted Lambright, who said he wanted one of the women, his granddaughter, to leave his house. Lambright’s granddaughter told officers she called police after Lambright pushed her down to the floor and tried to forcibly drag her out of the door by the ankle. The woman managed to escape and call police.

She also allegedly told police this is an “ongoing issue.” Lambright’s wife said the issue was indeed ongoing, and told police she did witness the crime, and said that 70-year-old Lambright suffers from dementia and “explosive disorder.” His wife alleged that Lambright was abusive throughout their long relationship, both “physically and verbally,” police said in a report.

Lambright denied the claims of violence, saying he instead just led his granddaughter out of the home by the arm.

Police arrested the former UW coach and he was transported to the Snohomish County Jail, where he was later released on his own recognize. Deputies confiscated three guns present in his home.

Lambright was born and raised in Everett before earning a scholarship to the University of Washington where he played as a defensive end. He was assistant coach at the school for 24 seasons.